One thing that inspires me the most is Architecture, especially seeing how different countries interpret it while injecting their own personalities.  I think that is extremely smart and I’m so happy that that’s being the case.  The House Hotel in the hip Beyoğlu area of Istanbul was renovated in 2010 and Autoban, the firm responsible, preserved the 1890’s building by keeping its structure as untouched as possible and also maintaining its beautiful parquet floors, hexagon coffered ceilings, boiseries, and Mosaic.

Part of the ceiling of this hotel is a hexagon coffered ceiling which is repeated on some areas of the floors.  Please note how the small sconces have the room numbers on them which then reflect on the walls.  How cool!

If it weren’t for the glass table the size of this room would be perfect for kids to play around.  The beam ceiling is loudly calling my name.

The white curvy side table works as a space for the eye to rest from the rectilinear of the elaborate boiseries and headboard.  Love the scale of the lamp and the simple detail of the brassy dove on the wall.

The TV of course had to be white.  If I live in Istanbul one day, cross your fingers, I’ll be knocking the doors of Autoban.

Love, love the excess of molding and the appliques used to make the boiseries.  Everything is about continuity in this hallway.

In both images above we can see clearly how beautiful architecture does not need much to reign.  Someone said that a good room should be able to look beautiful naked.  I agree!

Summer is the perfect time to get away from everything and take a break from your normal routine, but, sometimes, between packing, flying, stopping the mail, finding someone to feed the cat… Shew! Getting away can feel less like vacation and more like, well, work. That’s why we think that, every now and again, finding a way to relax and recharge in your own home can be an even better way to truly unwind. What’s the best start to our perfect staycation? Why, sleeping late, of course — it’s guilt free! Sleep hours, like chocolate calories, simply do not count while on vacation.

Perhaps the loveliest transition from sleeping to waking is a piping cup of tea, in your pajamas, overlooking the most beautiful view in your home. If we felt so inclined, this would be a prime time to catch up on some long overdue journaling.

The last thing some people want to do on their vacation is work out, but yoga makes us feel so refreshed we don’t even think of it as exercise. Deep, quieting breaths, a few sun salutations and meditating on all the things for which we are thankful really put us in that vacation state of mind.

No vacation would be complete without some time on the courts. Adrenaline pumping, fresh air and good friends. Does life get any better?
We would like to thank Julie so very much for choosing us as guest bloggers while she’s away relaxing.  However you choose to unwind, we hope the rest of your summer holds many moments of restful bliss! Best, Beth and Kristy

Hello, everyone! This is Ada from Classiq. I am so happy and honoured to be here on Belle Vivir today, while Julie is spending some quality time with her family, to share my favourite things to do when not leaving on vacation.  As much as I love traveling, I also very much enjoy taking advantage of all the little pleasures summer has to offer when not going away.

Reading. I love books, but as unfortunately I don’t have as much time as I wished for reading, whenever I have a few days off I like stocking up on and getting lost in magazines, old and new, novels, fashion and movie books. There are so many beautiful words, memorable quotes and breathtaking images tucked within their pages that I find myself constantly interrupting my reading to write them down, hence a notebook is always at hand.

Visiting my parents. Every summer I like taking a few days off to spend them with my parents. Shopping, taking short trips, cooking delights (home-made jam, the best in the whole world), wine, Turkish coffee (again, the best in the whole world), gardening, talking our hearts out: I always leave with a big smile on my face and with my batteries fully charged.

Picnic in the park. How long has it been since you walked barefoot in the grass? It’s such a blissful feeling, very few others compared to it. I don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy it. It’s so much more exciting taking the afternoon off and heading to the park with a book and iced coffee. Gelato is in order too.

Classic movies. Nothing relaxes me more than a low-key night at home, cuddling on the sofa with my hubby and watching an old movie. I’m completely transposed into the story, thinking of nothing else. We’re now in an European-directors phase: François Truffaut, Claude Chabrol, Claude Sautet, Curtis Bernhardt. Were we to have a house with a backyard our home design would most definitely involve a big screen and a film projector.

Explore the city. You may think you know it and that it has nothing else to offer, but dare to discover it over and over again. And the best time to do it is in the summer, when it empties out. I’m always surprised to find out how many exciting and interesting things are happening every single day: a new play, an outdoor concert, an art exhibition, flower markets, boutiques and bookstores with little treasures hidden inside, waiting to make their way to my home.

Cooking. A favourite weekend activity. Every weekend I’m experimenting my culinary skills on a new recipe. My latest success: pasta with ricotta and spinach. And cooking in two can be so romantic.

Brunch or coffee with my best friend. Talking and talking and talking (the topics are endless) and laughing in between, time really flies when we get together. Two hours seem like no more than 10 minutes.

A favourite spot. A favourite spot in the whole city where you feel completely free, where you can go any day, any time you want to unwind and just have a moment with yourself. It can be on a terrace on the rooftop of a building, a bench in the park, the driving seat of your car or the intimacy of your living-room. I have two: my favourite café and my home studio (whenever I’m not working).

Al fresco dining. A beautiful summer evening, a romantic dinner or meeting up with friends (people relax and inspire me imensely) and I’m sure it’s going to be a long, long night, with truly unforgettable moments (and very loud ones if the party is for more than two).

Spontaneous day-trips. Waking up early in the morning sunlight and realising it’s going to be a glorious summer day…on a clear day you can see forever… And what springs into my mind is a one-day trip. Aren’t these the best? To the seaside or in the mountains (I’m lucky it’s a 2-3 hour drive to either direction). My photo camera is a permanent companion.

Decorating. Or better said, re-decorating and hand-making all kinds of decorative objects (I’m like a little child playing with his toys) to add new flavour to my home. Right now I’m thinking of decorating part of one of the hallway walls with framed pictures, the most beautiful ones I’ve taken.
Thank you for having me over, Julie. It’s been a pleasure.